Stiff Neck is a condition in which a patient experiences stiffness and restricted range of motion of the neck. Seven vertebral columns along with various muscles, arteries and nerves form the neck, any damage to these may lead to soreness and irritation in the cervical spine.

Causes

Strain or sprain in the neck muscles

Levator scapula is a muscle that connects cervical spine to the shoulder and is present at the back side of the neck. Inflammation in this muscle may cause strain or sprain leading to neck stiffness. Levator scapula can be damaged due to –

Wrong sleeping position

Sports injuries

Activities like swimming that require frequent turning of the head

Slouching while working on computer

Bending of neck while attending a phone call

Driving continuously for a long time period

Medical conditions like Cervical Herniated Disc or Osteoarthritis

Excessive mental stress may also put pressure on the cervical spine.

An injury involving forceful movement of the neck muscles and ligaments outside their normal range of motion, like a sudden jerk in the neck during a car accident.

Meningitis (inflammation of the lining that surrounds the spinal cord)

Symptoms

Difficulty in turning the head

Headache

Shoulder pain and tenderness

Pain running from neck to the arms

Diagnosis

The doctor may perform a physical exam by asking the patient to turn his head in order to check neck’s range of motion. He may ask about previous injuries that affected the spine in the past. The doctor may recommend certain imaging tests to diagnose severity of the condition. These may include -

X-ray – This may be recommended to visualize the spine in order to check for an injury

CT Scan - To detect the signs of an infection in the neck’s soft tissues

MRI Scan - This may be conducted to have a 3 dimensional view of the tissues.

Electromyography – The doctor may suggest electromyography to assess proper functioning of the nerves and muscles

Treatment

Rest – For the quick healing of injured neck tissues, the doctor may ask the patient to take rest for one or two days.

Heat and Ice Pack Therapy - To reduce inflammation and normalize the blood flow, the doctor may recommend use of heat and ice packs alternatively.

Medication – The patients may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines by the doctor to reduce affliction and swelling.

Exercises - Stretching and strengthening exercises may be recommend to increase the neck’s range of motion.